By Raúl Revuelta
Fourteen destinations were evaluated by the VCS (Swiss Motor Club):
Adelboden, Arosa, Crans-Montana, Davos Platz, Engelberg, Grindelwald,
Lenzerheide, Leukerbad, Saas-Fee, Scuol, St. Moritz, Verbier, Wengen and
Zermatt. This new "mobile & ecological" rating by the VCS
is intended to assist consumers with decision making on winter holidays.
The survey was supported amongst others by the STV (Swiss Tourism Association) and the Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE.
Zermatt takes 1st place. In second place was Saas-Fee,
also car-free, followed by St. Moritz. The Transport and Environment
Association gave the highest ratings to Zermatt and Saas-Fee for their
excellent rail and bus connections. The two winter hotspots in canton
Valais were also recognised for their efforts in promoting public
transport.
"For car-free Zermatt, this award is confirmation that our decades of effort and commitment for a sustainable destination are being rewarded", says Zermatt Tourismus Director Daniel Luggen. He is aware that tourism is effectively a balancing act between comfort, growth and improvement of offers on the one hand and sustainability on the other: "We will continue to be committed to sustainability. We’re staying on the ball!".
The Transport and Environment Association also praised other resorts, such as Davos and Grindelwald where local bus rides are free.
Another resort that received special praise was the Lower Engadine resort of Scuol, where "Holidays Without Your Car" packages - that include free access to public transport, separate transport of luggage and electric bicycles for hire - are available.
Among the criteria evaluated were travelling time to the destination, signage, local buses, frequency of public transport and luggage transport possibilities.
